Sitdown Playdate

The McCatherns came over for an impromptu lunch and play date today. If you know Regan, and me, we are planners, not exactly the spontaneous type, but we were very proud of ourselves for getting together on a whim! I need to do things like this more often! Loosen up! Regardless, the kids had so much fun, and Hodges was sweet to have a "sit down play date" since Rivers is still in her cast. I grabbed my camera really quickly to snap a picture of Jackson sharing his blanket with Manning only to return and find him snatching it away and throwing it on the ground. So much for chivalry!

Rivers' 4th Birthday

Sarah Dippity Party

What a magical and fun 4th birthday! Sarah Dippity, Rivers' "fairy godmother," flew in just for her party to entertain all of her friends with magic and face painting. The children were mesmerized by Sarah's magic and the parents were awed by her ability to transform their child's face into something beautiful or heroic in a matter of minutes.

Yeah, Sarah! Please do some more tricks for us!

What a special birthday for Rivers! We're so thankful that everyone was able to come out to celebrate her special day with us!

Rivers' 4th Birthday Family Party

Happy birthday Rivers! Rivers turned four on August 22nd, and it was such a special day! We started the day out singing "Happy Birthday" to her in the bed and opening a few gifts, then had her Sarah Dippity party, then she went to help another little friend (Mary Grace) celebrate her 3rd birthday, came home to take a quick nap (she couldn't sleep), and then both of our families came over to celebrate! Whew! We were exhausted but oh so happy to celebrate a very special 4th birthday! We cooked out hamburgers and hot dogs and enjoyed some chocolate birthday cake before opening gifts...a certain 4 year old girl's favorite part of all!

Rivers' "4" shirt with her name below was a gift from Price and his very talented Mama!

Happy birthday to our sweet little Rivers! You are such a blessing in our lives: a miracle of God's handiwork from the very beginning! He is working in your heart just as much as He is in strengthening your body. Our prayer is that you will continue to grow into the sweet, compassionate little girl that God intends. Your joy for life is contagious! Your patience with Jackson is commendable! Your love for us, your parents, fills us with JOY! We love you "up to the sun, up to the moon, and up to the stars!"

Happy 17th Birthday Adam!

My second youngest brother Adam turned 17 on August 9th while we were in Boston. My Mom, whose birthday was August 5th, and Rachel were still in England, so we had a late birthday celebration for Adam and my Mom on Wednesday. Mom usually makes our birthday cakes, but she was so jet lagged from just getting back into the country that she ordered this cake from Nonnah's. It was HUGE! Adam is such a sweet brother and a very caring uncle. He and Christian recently bought Jackson his first pair of Nike's. They both like for Jackson to be dressed "cool!" It's so funny to look at Adam with my children because when I was 17, Adam and Christian were about the same ages that my children are right now. I love you Adam! Hope you have a wonderful 17th year!

Eric enjoyed playing with Jackson at the party. He was snoring while pretending to sleep, and Jackson could mimic him almost perfectly! It was hilarious!

Rivers is Home

Rivers got out of the hospital on Saturday, August 8th. She had a post-op appointment on Monday which included an x-ray. It was so awesome to see her leg completely straight! Dr. Kasser did a phenomenal job, and we are so excited to see what her leg looks like when she comes out of the cast. We will go back to Boston on September 11th for another appointment and x-ray and possible cast removal.

Rivers has done really well since being home. She remembers the previous spica cast and definitely appreciates the freedom that this cast provides in comparison. Yesterday, we were sitting on the floor playing with blocks when she decided that she wanted to watch a television show. She slid her leg over, picked up her left leg, and then slid her bottom. She did this several times until she was directly in front of the TV. Children are so smart!

Recovery: Day 3

Rivers had a great night. Her pain is controlled by oral meds. She feels much better being off of the morphine. Last night, we took her downstairs in a buggy to see the "ball popper" and watch the fish. I knew she wasn't feeling the best when she didn't want anything from the gift shop! We're so thankful that she is in a leg cast rather than a spica cast. It is already so much easier. She will be able to sit anywhere as long as her leg can be supported. I'll post pictures later. We're waiting for her wheelchair to be delivered and for final papers to be filled out before we can leave.